There is also the Axiom set of racks as shown in the video. They specifically make a rack for road bikes with disc brakes which sounds very promising. I can't see how the rack will attach to the frame at the top with no eyelets and no caliper brakes. I could use the Tubus Clamp set though (which I have on my current bike)

So, Will mounting this to my bike damage the carbon frame?
Any recommendations about which rack / mounting system I should go for?

I think you have to be careful when mounting extra onto carbon frames - they're often designed with very specific loads in mind, and might not be very strong in other directions. On the other hand, it might work fine.
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7thGalaxyFeb 26 '14 at 10:13

5

Carbon is especially problematic with clamping forces, so be careful if you need any clamps on frame tubes.
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arneFeb 26 '14 at 11:08

10

A Carbon Fiber Roubaix Di2 for commuting is insane, unless by commuting you mean participating in the Paris-Roubaix. Generally, race bikes don't take well to racks, either due to geometry or just not having the proper mounts and strength in the right places (especially with carbon).
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BatmanFeb 26 '14 at 13:24

Why not use a Roubaix for commuting? Seriously I am wondering why people are so against this. I never leave the bike locked up outside, it is locked up in the underground car park in my building. Over the year I commute around 6,000 miles. I probably do less than 500 weekend miles so there is no point having a nice bike for the weekend. If I have a nice bike I want to use it and enjoy it. The main impetus for change was getting disc brakes, I am fed up with mini cabs pulling out in front in the wet and my brakes not working!
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RoadersFeb 26 '14 at 16:20

4

I would just like to point out that you could have a "nice bike" that also has a steel/aluminum/titanium frame. Those two criteria are not mutually exclusive. Buy a nice frame that's designed to accomodate racks, and go crazy on the rest of the components if you want. Surly makes a few quality frames that support racks, disc brakes, and basic road bike geometry. There are plenty of other manufacturers as well.
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KibbeeFeb 26 '14 at 16:39

Another option that I am considering is a custom made Titanium frame with the same component set on. I want the hydraulic brakes and the electronic gears. This is pretty much the only bike off the shelf that has them. If I can't get a good pannier rack solution for the Carbon bike then I will go with the Titanium. At the moment I am weighing up the options.
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RoadersFeb 26 '14 at 16:57

2

The geometry isn't suited for using panniers or a rack period. Commuting destroys bikes with road salt, water, snow, stuff kicked up from cars, etc. along with the occasional get hit by a car (which a carbon fiber Roubaix will likely not survive), so you don't want to run expensive components unless you're Bill Gates. The theft issue is also a (very) big one which people don't really realize until they've had a bike or two stolen. And I can almost guarantee in London, a Roubaix (especially a high end one) will get stolen pretty quickly.
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BatmanFeb 26 '14 at 21:24

5

This is the most important part of this answer: "Carbon frames are strong only in certain directions and may be relatively weak in others." Theft is a secondary concern, albeit a real one. The lateral forces generated by a rack with panniers will likely fatigue the carbon leading to catastrophic failure. Don't put racks on this bike. It'd be easier and less disappointing to just pull money out of your wallet and tear it in half.
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jimirings♦Feb 27 '14 at 1:53

Cool bike but that is a race bike. Consider a bike that is designed for a load.

Look at the seat stay on the Roubaix. That bike is not designed to take a load behind the seat. Putting a rack on Roubaix is like putting a trailer hitch on a Ferrari - it has the horsepower but it was not designed for the load.

If you are set on a race bike for commuting then consider a front rack. Front fork is more beefy and can be replaced. This is carbon fork with eyelets.
With panniers. I know you are looking for a faster bike but I have carried a case of wine on that bike many times and up front and it rides fine. A benefit of up front is you don't have the weight swinging behind you when you accelerate. Down side is with bags attached it is hard to ride no hands.

It is hard to find a bike with eyelets that is not a full touring bike. I also have a full touring bike (Vaya) and loaded it is great but with a light load it is stiff. But you can find some faster bikes that are designed for light racks. This is a titanium La Cruz.
Notice there are 4 eyelets.

Four points of contact makes a world of difference. Not only is the Roubaix not designed for it but even with a light load the rack will swing.

Not editing the question as one of the moderators feels I edit too much. Off road you see bags attached directly to the bike and as much weight in the middle as possible. Part of that is clearance but it is also more stable. salsacycles.com/culture/…
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BlamOct 29 '14 at 14:03

I just watched the video that was posted for the Axiom racks - brilliant! I'm in a similar situation: I need a new road bike, have been eyeing up higher end carbon bikes, I have the opportunity to commute 20km each way to work (with a secure place to store my bike while I work), want to use the time as training time, don't want to use an old clunker when I can use my weekend race/dream bike, and am looking for a pannier option.
I was looking at the Thule Pack 'n Ride as an option, but it has to strap to the frame - alarm bells. The Axiom is not placing any real weight on the carbon frame at all. By far the majority of the load is being directed straight to the skewer and the rear wheel while the horizontal arm is there for support; might take a small amount of weight...but I've seen some very large people riding carbon, so shouldn't be an issue. How is this honestly going to have a negative impact on the frame? And why do people seem to think that only commuting bikes get dirty with salt and mud? If I'm spending the cash, I want to ride it, not keep it for best.

But it does put stress on the frame. When the rack swings it puts side to side load on the dropouts. That is a stress that bike was not designed to take. The geometry of the bike was not designed for handing with weight back there.
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BlamOct 29 '14 at 13:51